Opium

Overview

Popular names ‘Big O’, ‘Chinese molasses’
What is it?

Opium is the sticky gum that oozes from the capsule of the opium poppy, from which heroin and other opiates are made from. The most powerful active ingredient in opium is morphine, which is a depressant, i.e. it slows down the body’s reactions and functions in many different ways. Opium is not as strong as morphine or heroin.

 

It has been used as medicine for over 3,000 years and still the main source of pain killing drugs today.

Sought after effects
  • Calm
  • drowsy
  • dreamy state of mind
Undesired effects

In large doses:

  • headaches
  • constipation
  • nausea
What does it look like?

Opium is not widely available in the recreational drug cultures of the UK.

It usually comes from Afghanistan or one of the surrounding countries, and is most likely to be brought in by individuals and in small quantities.

How is it taken?

Smoked: through a vaporiser for the most optimum effects.